About us
A community for writers of speculative fiction, emerging and established. This Meetup is designed for writers serious about their craft and will feature events to educate and support you.
We meet from 5.30-8.30pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Creator Space at Chatswood Library.
Upcoming events
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Short Story Club: 'Missing Helen' by Tia Tashiro
WSU Peter Shergold Building, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, AUShort Story Club is a reading club for time-poor people who love speculative fiction. Just like other clubs we read the story and discuss it... though expect to go deeper into craft as writers.
This session we're reading Tia Tashiro's 'Missing Helen', a 2026 Hugo and Locus Award-nominated story. This is available free to read through Clarkesworld #226 and its audio version.
June's Short Story Club is co-hosted with 2026 Parramatta Laureate Eda Gunaydin at Western Sydney University. Meet at noon for a light lunch (provided) and we'll start the main event at 12.30pm.
No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story.
Please indicate any dietary requirements when you RSVP.
Image credit: 'Alone' by Matt Dixon
8 attendees
Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library
Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NS, AUIf you're coming, please RSVP through the library as well as here so they can set out enough places for us on the night.
Our aim is to provide a supportive community for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror etc) writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library.
In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.
Schedule:
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Introductions and casual chat
6:00 - 7:30 pm: 'Focus & Write' session
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Continue writing, or socialise and share your progressWhat to bring: Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper.
Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups.
Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, please RSVP through the library so they can set out enough places for us on the night.
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Our meeting room
We are in the Creator Space, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us.How to get there
Public transport: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange.Parking: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found here.
The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free.
Cycle: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance.
Accessibility
For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist.Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area.
Did I mention you should RSVP through the library to make sure they know our numbers?
8 attendees
Speculative Writing in Focus: Make Talk Matter – Zena Shapter
Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NS, AUIf you're coming, please RSVP through the library as well as here so they can keep track of numbers.
Speculative Writing in Focus is a craft-focused day at the Willoughby Literary Festival. This year we'll present a series of free lecture-style sessions so as many people as possible can obtain the benefit of a workshop in the space of an hour.
Make Talk Matter
Explore how dialogue shapes character, voice and worldbuilding through practical writing techniques and tips.Speech can humanise stories, shape fictional worlds and give characters a distinct voice. This session explores how effective dialogue strengthens storytelling and helps conversations feel natural, purposeful and engaging.
Please RSVP through the library.
About Zena Shapter
Zena Shapter is a multi award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy, speculative and contemporary fiction, conjuring journeys into the beyond and unusual. Author of When Dark Roots Hunt, When Dark Waters Burn, Towards White, and co-author of Into Tordon, she’s a 'writer with a need for adventure' (Midnight Echo magazine), writing 'cold and brutal' stories (Tor.com), who 'deserves your attention' (Lillian Csernica, Tangent Online).She loves movies, frogs, chocolate, potatoes and living with her family on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, where she’s also an inclusive creativity advocate, writing mentor and editor. Find her online via zenashapter.com and Instagram @ZenaShapter.
Did I mention you should RSVP through the library to make sure they know our numbers?
3 attendees
Willoughby Literary Festival: Kate Forsyth
Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NS, AUIf you're coming, please RSVP through the library as well as here so they can keep track of numbers.
Join Kate Forsyth in conversation with Sue Williams as they discuss Kate’s latest book The Changeling.
Hear the inspirations behind her compelling literary work exploring shame, identity and resilience across 19th- and 20th-century Australia.
Please RSVP through the library.
About Kate Forsyth
Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author and oral storyteller whose work is inspired by Scottish history, folklore and fairy tales. Her books include The Changeling, based on the first Scottish witch hunts of the 16th century, Psykhe, Bitter Greens and The Witches of Eileanan. Kate holds a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, leads literary tours and writing retreats, and has sold more than 1.5 million books in 20 languages.About Sue Williams
Sue Williams is a best-selling author, and award-winning travel writer and journalist.
She has written three historical novels set in early colonial Australia: Elizabeth & Elizabeth, That Bligh Girl and The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, but her latest book is a historical novel with a personal story at its heart, The Duke's Secret, about the Duke of Wellington and his affairs. They're in addition to her over 30 non-fiction books.Did I mention you should RSVP through the library to make sure they know our numbers?
3 attendees
Past events
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